Marty Douglas Ends His REM Run with 250th Column

“It all started in a 5,000-watt radio station in Fresno, California. With just a $50-a-week pay cheque and a dream.” – Ted Baxter.

“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away . . .”

Indeed, a journey of significant duration and perhaps a touch of the extraordinary has brought us to this moment. Welcome to my reflection on an enduring literary voyage, marking a quarter-century of insights, observations, and spirited discourse within the dynamic world of real estate. My personal narrative as a columnist for REM began in December 1994, with an inaugural opinion piece boldly titled The West Coast Real Estate Fishery – in Peril? This article drew a compelling parallel between the critical decline of migrating salmon in the Adams River and the concurrent downturn gripping the real estate sector. It was a time when the industry faced not only a precipitous drop in buyer activity but also a worrying decrease in new applicants seeking real estate licenses. This followed a remarkable period where average property prices had soared, doubling over the preceding five years, leading to a corresponding boom in the number of licensed real estate professionals. Then, abruptly, the vibrant energy that sustained this growth seemed to dissipate, much like a fishery running out of essential resources. This analogy, I hoped, would resonate nationwide, capturing the gravity of the market’s sudden shift.

At that pivotal time, REM was actively seeking to diversify its content, particularly looking for perspectives with a distinctive West Coast flavor. My initial submission evidently struck a chord, leading to an invitation to contribute a regular column. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with REM, and I am grateful that Jim Adair and Heino Molls have, with commendable patience and unwavering support, put up with me ever since. Those early days were truly a period of technological infancy compared to today’s digital landscape. My very first columns were painstakingly submitted via a then-revolutionary device: the fax machine. Sending these dispatches across the country to Toronto incurred significant long-distance charges, a cost I recall lamenting to Jim. I timidly suggested that, given my contributions were provided gratis, perhaps REM might consider some reimbursement for these communication expenses. Jim, ever the visionary, simply inquired if I had heard of email. And just like that, without further cost or delay, I was gracefully, albeit somewhat reluctantly, ushered into the dawn of the 21st century’s communication era. This transition was a testament to REM’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring that our content delivery evolved with the times, facilitating a seamless connection between writer and publication.

It genuinely has been an absolute blast. The journey with REM has been dotted with numerous pleasant surprises and moments of genuine appreciation along the way. Among the most memorable was the unexpected delivery of a beautifully decorated cake to my West Coast office door, a thoughtful gesture commemorating my 100th column. This was in 2003, and it underscored the personal connection I felt with the publication. Even today, my morning coffee often cools in a REM-branded mug, a memento from a case lot our office once won in a photo contest. And, adorning my dresser, rests a REM-engraved watch – certainly not a Rolex, but the sentiment behind it is priceless. These small tokens of recognition, far more than material possessions, symbolize the strong bond and mutual respect cultivated over the years. And so, here we stand, at the remarkable milestone of column #250. Many skeptics had predicted such longevity was unattainable, but here we are, proving that consistent engagement and passionate commentary can indeed stand the test of time, continuing to enrich the discourse within the real estate community.

The most frequent inquiry I receive regarding my writing for REM invariably concerns the source of inspiration for these monthly columns. My answer remains consistently straightforward: the very business itself. My extensive and multifaceted involvement in the real estate industry, spanning various capacities at the board and provincial levels, provided an inexhaustible wellspring of material. This included a significant regulatory role on the B.C. Real Estate Council and active participation with the Real Estate Errors and Omissions Insurance Corporation. Each of these positions, whether oversight or advisory, furnished me with a wealth of anecdotes, observations, and, of course, a healthy dose of opinions – some even uniquely my own. As each monthly deadline loomed, notes and observations diligently collected in the “REM file” would begin to coalesce, forming the backbone of what would eventually become approximately 900 words of commentary, or occasionally, a bit less if the muse was elusive. Throughout this process, I maintained a keen awareness of my surroundings, always respecting confidences and ensuring discretion. It was paramount for me to avoid simply echoing the viewpoints of others, preferring to dance to my own tune. At industry meetings, I couldn’t help but smile as the chair, almost inevitably, would inquire if any members of the press were present. Despite usually positioning myself upfront with my notebook ready, I often garnered far more insightful material and candid perspectives from the casual cocktail and luncheon chatter than from the often-dull formalities of the annual business proceedings. These informal interactions were, and remain, an invaluable conduit to the true pulse of the industry.

Over the years, my columns have generated a substantial volume of reader correspondence, primarily in the form of emails. A review of the archives suggests that Gary Robinson holds the distinction of being my most prolific critic, always providing insightful, if sometimes challenging, feedback. In more recent times, the dynamic has shifted significantly, with online commentary now frequently accompanying my columns. This digital feedback, unlike private email, is accessible to anyone visiting www.remonline.com, fostering a much broader and more public dialogue. Inevitably, these online postings frequently evolve into lively debates between responders, often diverging from my original thesis. It’s not uncommon for my carefully crafted column to be left metaphorically gasping for air on the river bank, as opinionated barbs and passionate arguments from regular readers ricochet across the Internet. While initial heated exchanges were typically confined between myself and one or two letter writers, I now often find myself an innocent bystander, albeit the one who initially lit the fuse with a provocative topic. This evolution in engagement underscores the vibrant and interactive community that REM has fostered, making each column not just a monologue, but an invitation to a wider, often spirited, conversation.

My August column, which explored the significant transformations within the real estate sector since 1970, prompted a particularly thought-provoking request from a veteran of over 30 years in the industry. He asked, “Marty, can you speak to why more people don’t just work on their own, under their own banner? Can it be as simple as they feel the need for engaging in the group office atmosphere?” This question delves deep into the psychological and practical considerations that shape a real estate professional’s career path.

The answer, as with most human-centric queries, is far from simple, precisely because we are dealing with the intricate complexities of individual personalities and motivations. Have you ever engaged in personality profiling? I vividly recall my first experience with the DISC assessment, which revealed me to be a “High I” – indicative of someone who is influential, interactive, and enthusiastic. Later, a more light-hearted but equally insightful analysis called True Colors suggested I was predominantly ‘Blue,’ characterizing me as someone focused on relationships, intuition, and integrity. In contrast, many of the high-rolling, Type A personalities frequently found in sales-driven environments often test as ‘D’s (Dominant) in DISC or ‘Orange’ in True Colors, signifying their drive for results and action. Conversely, individuals with an accounting bent typically align with ‘C’s (Conscientiousness) or ‘Green’ in True Colors, valuing logic, analysis, and precision. My own identified groups – the ‘High I’s and ‘Blues’ – were often the “huggers,” the social butterflies who would constantly worry that an empty office meant there was a party somewhere to which they hadn’t been invited. This illustrates the fundamental human need for connection and belonging, a critical factor in workplace preferences.

The real estate profession, while certainly attracting its share of readily recognizable “personalities” – often charismatic and driven individuals – is in fact a rich tapestry woven from all types of temperaments and skill sets. Indeed, even those with backgrounds typically associated with meticulousness, such as accountants, or nurturing, like teachers, have found remarkable success in our dynamic business! The reality is that not everyone is suited to, or thrives within, the solitary confines of working from home or managing a small, independent office. Whether it’s a perceived lack of inherent incentive, a struggle with self-discipline, or simply the fundamental human need to absorb the ambient “noise” – the vibrant, kinetic energy of a bustling bullpen – the activity of others often serves as a vital catalyst. This constant interaction and visible industriousness within a shared space can inherently drive an individual to compare their own efforts and output, fostering a healthy sense of competition and collective motivation that is often essential for sustained productivity and growth in a sales-oriented field. Such environments provide an unspoken accountability and a continuous source of inspiration that many find indispensable.

Franchises, in addition to typically providing a structured office environment, bring the undeniable value of an established brand. This means that a new agent, or one looking for a boost, doesn’t have to embark on the arduous and often expensive task of inventing and establishing their personal banner from scratch. The existing brand recognition and reputation provide an immediate level of credibility and trust. However, the relentless emphasis on self-branding – whether pursued within the framework of a franchise or as an independent agent – is, in my experienced opinion, one of those concepts that too many Realtors have been mistakenly sold as absolutely essential to achieving success. And to that, I say with firm conviction: Poppycock. (A word, I might add, I’ve never before had the pleasure of deploying in a column, but which feels entirely appropriate here!) While personal branding certainly has its place, it is far from the sole or even primary determinant of success. Foundational skills, integrity, consistent effort, and genuine client relationships often far outweigh the flash of a meticulously crafted personal brand. It’s a message often overblown in a desire to sell more training courses or marketing packages.

As October finds us squarely in the midst of a federal election, a crucial time for our democracy, I feel compelled, as I have in every past federal election cycle, to urge all REM readers to exercise their fundamental right to vote. It is a recurring concern that voter turnout has consistently declined over the years. Is this a mere coincidence? I certainly believe so. Yet, the same familiar excuses for abstaining from the polls persist. The immutable truth, however, remains: you ultimately get the government you deserve. Ponder that profound statement carefully as you find yourself, perhaps later after October 19th, cursing the policies or decisions of Prime Minister Mulcair, Trudeau, or Harper. If you choose not to participate in the democratic process by casting your ballot, then I offer a simple, albeit blunt, piece of advice: have a cup of “shut the hell up!” Your voice matters, and your non-participation effectively silences it, relinquishing your right to complain about the outcomes. Engage, participate, and make your opinion count where it truly matters.

And since most truly valuable advice has invariably been distilled from past experiences, making the study of history so crucial, I present here 10 timeless tidbits of wisdom pertaining to real estate, drawn not from academic texts, but from the engaging narratives of real life – specifically, the captivating worlds of TV and Hollywood. These nuggets of insight offer a fresh perspective on enduring principles that can guide any real estate professional toward greater success and fulfillment.

1. Police Story TV series, 1973-1978 – “I’ve been in this business for a lot of years looking for short cuts. I’ll be the first to let you know if I find one. In the meantime, hit the streets and turn over stones.” This timeless advice emphasizes that hard work and diligence are paramount in real estate, with no true shortcuts to success.
2. United Airlines TV commercial, 1980s – “When you become satisfied with your performance as a team, that’s when you’re finished as a team.” Complacency can be a real estate agent’s biggest enemy; continuous improvement is key for sustained growth.
3. Thelma and Louise movie, 1991 – “You get what you settle for.” – Louise. This powerful quote underscores the importance of setting high standards and negotiating effectively for both clients and oneself in real estate transactions.
4. Jerry Maguire movie, 1996 – “If this (gestures to heart) is empty then this (gestures to head) doesn’t matter.” And, “Success consists of simply getting up one more time than you fall.” Passion and resilience are non-negotiable for thriving in the challenging real estate market.
5. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back movie, 1980 – “Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda. This maxim is a call to commitment and decisive action, crucial for closing deals and moving forward in real estate.
6. Fellowship of the Ring movie, 2001 – “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” – Gandalf the Grey. Effective time management and strategic prioritization are essential for real estate professionals juggling multiple demands.
7. Any Given Sunday movie, 1999 – “You find out that life is just a game of inches . . . the inches we need are everywhere around us.” – Al Pacino. Success in real estate often hinges on small, incremental efforts and attention to detail that collectively make a big difference.
8. Michael Caine, academy award winning actor – “Actors don’t get paid for the minute or two they spend in front of the camera. They get paid for the preparation and waiting around.” This mirrors the often unseen preparation and patient cultivation of leads that precede a successful real estate transaction.
9. Will Smith, on training for the movie Ali, 2001 – “I desire perfection. I desire being the best that I can be. I don’t wanna take time to eat, I don’t wanna take time to sleep. I wanna let the other guy be eatin’ and sleepin’ while I’m working and while I’m trying to achieve my best earthly perfection.” This embodies the relentless drive and dedication required to excel in a highly competitive real estate landscape.
10. Howard Brinton, not an actor but a favourite real estate trainer and showman – “You have to practise and memorize your presentation – the reason a magician can pull a rabbit out of the hat is that he put it there before the show began!” Mastery of presentations and prepared responses gives real estate agents a significant edge, much like a well-rehearsed magic trick.

And with that, our journey through memories, insights, and lessons concludes, for now. May these reflections serve as a beacon for your own endeavors in the dynamic world of real estate.

“Th-Th-Th-That’s all folks!”– Porky Pig.